Patient leaflet - EpiPen JR. Auto-injector 0.15 mg
1. What EpiPen Jr. is and what it is used for
EpiPen Jr. contains a sterile solution of adrenaline for emergency injection into the outer part of the thigh muscle (intramuscular injection). EpiPen Jr. is to be used for the emergency treatment of sudden life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) to insect stings or bites, foods or drugs or exercise. The reaction is the result of the body trying to protect itself from the allergen (the foreign substance that causes the allergy) by releasing chemicals into the blood stream. Sometimes the cause of the allergic reaction is not known.
Symptoms that signal the onset of an anaphylactic shock occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen and include: itching of the skin; raised rash (like a nettle rash); flushing; swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet; wheezing; hoarseness; shortness of breath; nausea; vomiting; stomach cramps and in some cases, loss of consciousness.
The medicine in EpiPen Jr. is adrenaline which is an adrenergic drug. It works directly on the cardiovascular (heart and circulation) system
and respiratory (lung) system, to stop the possible fatal effects of anaphylactic shock by very quickly making the blood vessels smaller, relaxing muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, reducing swelling and increase heart rate.
The EpiPen Jr. is intended for immediate self-administration by a person with a history or recognised risk of going into anaphylactic shock. If you are at risk, you should always keep your EpiPen Jr. with you. It is designed as an emergency rescue therapy but you must get medical attention as soon as possible after its use.
2. What you need to know before you use EpiPen Jr.
Do not use EpiPen Jr.
There is no known reason why anyone should not use EpiPen Jr. during an allergic emergency.
Take special care with EpiPen Jr.
Adrenaline is essential for the treatment of anaphylaxis.
However, take special care with EpiPen Jr.:
- particularly if you have heart disease as it may affect the medicines that you are taking and may bring on an attack of chest pain (angina)
- if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- if you have high blood pressure
- if you have diabetes
- if administering EpiPen Jr. to patients who weigh less than 7.5 kg (1 stone 3 lbs) as there is a greater risk of getting side effects.
- if you have increased pressure in your eye(s) (glaucoma)
- if you have severe kidney problems
- if you have a tumour in your prostate
- if you have high calcium levels or a low potassium level in your blood
if you have Parkinson’s disease
Make sure you have discussed with your doctor if any of these apply to you.
Anyone in the position to administer EpiPen Jr., including patients with these conditions, should be clear on how and when to use EpiPen Jr.
The instructions for use must be carefully followed in order to avoid accidental injection.
EpiPen Jr. should only be injected into the outer thigh. It should not be injected into the buttock due to the risk of accidental injection into a vein.
Warnings and precautions
If you have asthma you may be at increased risk of severe allergic reaction. Anyone who has an episode of anaphylaxis should see their doctor about testing for substances they may be allergic to, so these can be strictly avoided in future. It is important to be aware that an allergy to one substance can lead to allergies to a number of related substances. If you have food allergies it is important to check the ingredients in everything you ingest (including medicines) as even small
amounts can cause severe reactions.
Tell your doctor if you have a condition called congenital long QT syndrome or problems with heart rhythm.
Accidental injection into the hands or fingers may result in reduced blood supply to these areas.
If there is an accidental injection into these areas, you should go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department for treatment.
If you have a thick-subcutaneous fat layer, there is a risk of the adrenaline not reaching the muscle tissue resulting in a suboptimal effect. In such individuals there may be a higher likelihood of needing a second injection with an additional EpiPen. Therefore you should ensure you carry two EpiPen Jr. with you at all times.
In case of injection performed by a caregiver, immobilisation of the patient’s leg should be ensured during injection to minimise the risk of
injection site laceration.
EpiPen Jr. is for single use only and cannot be reused.
Other medicines and EpiPen Jr.
When being prescribed EpiPen Jr., please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take, any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription as they may affect how the adrenaline works.
This is especially important if you take any of the following:
- Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), since the effects of adrenaline may be increased.
- Medicines that may make the heart sensitive to uneven beats (arrhythmias), such as digitalis, mercurial diuretics or quinidine.
Medicines for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease such as catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors (COMT inhibitors) and
levodopa since the effect of adrenaline may be increased
- Alpha and Beta-blocking medicines for heart disease (phentolamine, propranolol) or medicines to treat disorders of the nervous system as they can reduce the effect of adrenaline
- Medicines for thyroid disease
- Medicines that make you breathe more easily; used for asthma (theophylline)
- Medicines used in labour (oxytocin)
- Medicines used to treat allergies such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (antihistamines)
- Medicines that act on the nervous system (parasympatholytics).
Diabetic patients should carefully monitor their glucose levels after use of EpiPen Jr. as adrenaline can reduce the amount of insulin made by the body, thus increasing the blood glucose level.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
Pregnancy
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
There is limited experience of the use of adrenaline during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not hesitate to use EpiPen Jr. in an emergency, since you and your baby’s lives may be in danger.
Discuss this with your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
EpiPen Jr. would not be expected to have any effect on the nursing infant.
Fertility
Adrenaline is a substance that naturally occurs in the body, it is unlikely that EpiPen Jr. would have any detrimental effects on fertility.
Driving and using machines
The ability to drive and use machines is unlikely to be affected by the administration of an adrenaline injection but may be affected by an
anaphylactic reaction. If affected do not drive.
EpiPen Jr. contains sodium metabisulphite and sodium chloride
EpiPen Jr. contains sodium metabisulphite (E223), which may in rare cases cause severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) or breathing difficulty (bronchospasm). However, you should still use the EpiPen Jr. in line with the advice from your healthcare professional.
This medicine contains less than 23 mg sodium per dose, i.e. essentially ‘sodium-free’.
3. How to use EpiPen Jr.
When your doctor prescribes EpiPen Jr., you must make sure you understand the reason it has been prescribed for you. You should be confident that you know exactly how and when to use it.
Always use EpiPen Jr. exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are at all unsure about how to use it, ask to have the instructions repeated by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
It is recommended that your family members, carers or teachers are also instructed in the correct use of EpiPen Jr.
Dosage
The usual dose for children is 0.15 mg or 0.3 mg adrenaline for intramuscular injection depending on the body weight of the patient.
EpiPen Jr. is intended to be used by children with a body weight between 7.5 - 25 kg (1 stone 3 lbs -3 stone 13 lbs). For persons
weighing more than 25 kg (3 stone 13 lbs) EpiPen may be more appropriate for use.
The use in children weighing less than 7.5 kg is not recommended unless in a life-threatening situation and under medical supervision.
If you notice the signs of an acute allergic reaction, use EpiPen Jr. immediately, through your clothing if necessary.
Each EpiPen Jr. delivers one single dose of 0.3 ml liquid which is equal to 0.15 mg (150 micrograms) adrenaline. After use a volume of 1.7 ml will remain in the EpiPen Jr. but this cannot be reused.
Sometimes a single dose of adrenaline may not be sufficient to completely reverse the effects of a serious allergic reaction. For this reason, your doctor is likely to prescribe two EpiPen Jr. for you. If your symptoms have not improved or have deteriorated within 5 minutes after the first injection, either you or the person with you should give a second injection. For this reason you should carry two EpiPen Jr. with you at all times.
Method of administration
The EpiPen Jr. is designed to be used easily by people without medical training. EpiPen Jr. should be jabbed firmly against the outer portion of the thigh from a distance of approximately 10 cm (4 inches). There is no need for precise placement in the outer portion of the thigh.
When you jab the EpiPen Jr. firmly into your thigh, a spring activated plunger will be released, which pushes the hidden needle into the thigh muscle and administers a dose of adrenaline. If you are wearing clothes the EpiPen Jr. can be injected through the clothes.
The instructions for use of the EpiPen Jr. given below must be carefully followed.
EpiPen should only be injected into the outer thigh.
It should not be injected into the buttocks (your bottom).
Directions for use
Before you ever need to use it, fully familiarise yourself with the EpiPen Jr., when and how it should be used (refer to diagram 1).
Follow these directions only when ready to use.
Hold the EpiPen Jr. by the middle, never by the ends. For proper administration, look at the diagrams and follow these steps:
- Never put thumb, fingers or hand over the orange tip.
Do not remove blue safety cap until ready to use.
Diagram 1
- 1. Grasp EpiPen Jr. in dominant hand (the hand you use to write), with thumb nearest blue cap and form fist around unit (orange tip down)
- 2. With other hand pull off blue safety cap.
- 3. Hold the EpiPen Jr. at a distance of approximately 10 cm away from the outer thigh. The orange tip should point towards the outer thigh.
- 4. Jab the EpiPen Jr. firmly into outer thigh at a right angle (90 degree angle) (listen for click).
- 5. Hold firmly against thigh for 3 seconds. The injection is now complete and the window on the autoinjector is obscured.
- 6. EpiPen Jr. should be removed (the orange needle cover will extend to cover needle) and safely discarded.
- 7. Dial 999, ask for ambulance, and state anaphylaxis.
What to do in an emergency:
If in doubt use. Don’t delay.
Be prepared:
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A small air bubble may be present in EpiPen Jr. It does not affect the way the product works.
Even though most of the liquid (about 90%) remains in the EpiPen Jr. after use, it cannot be reused. EpiPen Jr. is for single use only. The correct dose has been administered if the orange needle tip is extended and the window is obscured.
Always seek medical help immediately after using EpiPen Jr. Dial 999- say anaphylaxis (“ana-fill-axis”) and ask for an ambulance, even if symptoms are improving.
You will need to go to the hospital for observation and further treatment as required. This is because the reaction may happen again at some time later.
While waiting for the ambulance, ask someone to stay with you until the ambulance arrives in case you feel unwell again. Unconscious patients should be placed on their side in the recovery position.
Make sure that you inform the healthcare professional that you have received an intramuscular injection of adrenaline and hand over the EpiPen Jr. to them for safe disposal.
If you use more EpiPen Jr. than you should
In case of overdose or accidental injection of the adrenaline, you should always seek immediate medical help. Your blood pressure may rise
sharply and it will need to be monitored. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine; ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Seek urgent medical advice immediately in case of accidental injection. Accidental injection of EpiPen Jr. in hands or fingers have been reported and may result in lack of blood supply to these areas.
Adverse reactions experienced as a result of accidental injections may include increased heart rate, local reactions including injection site
pallor, coldness and hypoesthesia or injury at the injection site resulting in bruising, bleeding, discoloration, erythema or skeletal injury.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects occur or worsen.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Cardiomyopathy has been seen in patients treated with adrenaline.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
Usual side effects include: irregular heartbeat, palpitations, severe rapid heartbeats, severe chest pains, high blood pressure, reduced blood flow to limbs, sweating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, headache, dizziness, weakness, tremor and apprehension, nervousness or anxiety, injection site infection, injection site bruising, bleeding, discoloration, redness of the skin and skeletal injury.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also
report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store EpiPen Jr.
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not store above 25 °C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Keep container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. When exposed to air or light, adrenaline deteriorates rapidly and will become pink or brown.
Please remember to check the contents of the glass cartridge in the EpiPen Jr. Auto-injector from time to time to make sure the liquid is still clear and colourless. Do not use this medicine
if you notice that the liquid is unclear, coloured or contains solid particles.
Replace the EpiPen Jr. Auto-injector by the expiry date or earlier if the solution is discoloured or contains a precipitate (solid particles).
- If your medicine shows signs of deterioration or discolouration seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
See also section 3 – Directions for use.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What EpiPen Jr. contains
- The active substance is adrenaline 0.15 mg (150 microgram).
- The other ingredients are: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Metabisulphite (E223), Hydrochloric Acid, Water for Injections.
What EpiPen Jr. looks like and contents of the pack
Clear and colourless solution in a pre-filled pen (Auto-injector).
The Auto-injector (single-dose) contains 2 ml solution for injection. Each auto-injector delivers one single dose (0.3 ml) of adrenaline.
The EpiPen Jr. exposed needle length is approximately 13 mm.
Available in pack sizes of 1 auto-injector or 2 auto-injectors.
Manufactured by MEDA Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Benzstrasse 1, 61352 Bad Homburg, Germany. Procured from within the EU and repackaged by Product Licence Holder Uni Health Distribution Ltd, Unit G4 Riverside Industrial Estate, Riverside Way, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5BS.
PL 45396/0394 POM
Leaflet date: 28 August 2026 Epi0.15/v1
Epipen is a registered trademark of Mylan Inc.
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